NATIONAL NEWS - Three traffic cops, a police officer and a tow truck owner were arrested after they allegedly robbed and demanded a R1 000 bribe from a mechanic in Nkandla earlier this year.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala, said on the afternoon of April 28, 2022, two men were travelling in Nkandla transporting 100 boxes of body lotion.
She said as they were approaching Nkandla, their vehicle experienced mechanical issues so they proceeded to a repair centre for assistance.
Gwala said while the mechanic was taking the car on a test drive, he was stopped by Nkandla traffic officers who requested his driving licence.
“The driver’s licence was expired and the traffic officers demanded a bribe of R1 000, which was given to them.
"On their way to Nkandla, a white double cab emerged with two occupants. One who was wearing a facemask with a police emblem came out of the vehicle, pointed a firearm at the victims and forced them to lie down. He tied them with cable ties and demanded the car keys. The suspects drove to the bush where they removed all the boxes,” said Gwala.
She said the robbers also took R3 000 in cash from the victims.
Charges of robbery, attempted theft of motor vehicle, kidnapping and bribery were opened for investigation at Nkandla SAPS.
Later on the same day, Gwala said three traffic officers, Noxolo Velile Mngoma (23), Silindile Samukelisiwe Biyela (24) and Sandile Bongumenzi Zulu (26) were traced and arrested. They made their first court appearances on May 3.
They last appeared on July 29 when the two women were granted bail. The matter was remanded to August 28. The docket was transferred to Provincial Organised Crime Investigation which took over the investigation.
On August 9, Gwala said a police officer stationed at Empangeni detectives, Sergeant Sicelo Mabanga (44), and a tow truck owner, Mduduzi Nsizwa Maluleka (46), were traced and arrested.
Gwala said two blue lights that were used in the commission of the offence were seized for further investigation.
The duo appeared before the Nkandla Magistrates Court on August 10 and they were remanded in custody. The matter has been adjourned to August 24 for bail application.
